From Your Melancholy Publisher & Executive Editor:

When the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, took place I was living in Claremore and working at OSU in Stillwater, with quite a commute each day. It was on that commute that I heard the first reports of the attacks on the World Trade Center. I was at work in Stillwater when I saw the towers fall. It’s a day I’ll never forget, and I don’t think we ever should forget.

Blogs didn’t exist then, but I did capture my sentiments at the time in two writings that were posted on my personal website at the time. I think the tenth anniversary of 9/11 is a fitting time to share them with you here (in the original, unedited form).

On Evil
By Tyson Wynn
September 15, 2001

Evil exists. Let no one deny that fact. Shortly after the foundation of this world, evil, in the form of the Evil One, entered into this realm and has been here ever since. There have been times in history when the Evil One has chosen to thrash about, and we have just experienced one of those times. On September 11, 2001, the Destroyer again decided to visit his presence on this world, indeed this very nation. As thousands of God’s children, both lost and found, were arriving at their work on a beautiful Tuesday morning, the fiery wrath of darkness split the spacious skies over the fruited plain and our symbols of freedom were wounded. Our brothers and sisters in freedom were deprived of their lives, their liberty, and their pursuits of happiness. In a period of a couple hours, the United States of America lost more lives than it did in the cowardly sneak attack upon our Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Desert Storm War in the 1990s, and the dastardly attack of terror upon Oklahoma City in 1995—combined.

Yet, in the aftermath of the acts of war, Americans have emerged stronger and more resolute than I have seen them in my lifetime. I have often said that my generation of Americans lacks unity, focus, and patriotism because it—we—have never faced a common enemy. Terror. Cowardice. Murder. Evil. Now we stare a common enemy squarely in the eyes. Rather, we seek the identity of evil personified so that we may make him look us squarely in the eyes as we annihilate his brand of evil from the face of this planet. We seek his identity, and we shall find it. Then we shall find all others of his nefarious breed of cowardice. Justice shall be swift and sure. Indeed, evil will continue to exist to the end of the age, but this embodiment of evil shall cease.

In the coming days, week, months, and years, we as Americans will be called upon to sacrifice for the prospect of eradicating this evil one. This will be the true test of our resolve. Will we be as committed to this war on evil when the repercussions of this evil are not as fresh on our hearts and minds as they are at this moment? Will the sting of the tragedies of New York City and the District of Columbia ever dissipate? I pray they do not. I pray that we will have our collective resolves renewed afresh each day by the remembrances of the feelings of September 11. I pray that God will grant us the grace to endure this current sadness, and I pray that He will help us guide this quiet anger into His justice and His vengeance. Just as my generation has never had a common enemy, we also have never had to sacrifice in order to see that enemy engaged. Only with the help of the Almighty One will we endure this call to give of ourselves, whether that be our lives, our fortunes, or our sacred honor. We must endure.

Since our soil was attacked, I have had many occasions to wonder just what these shadow-lurkers must think and feel as they see the reports of their acts. Is there a seething evil pride deep within? Are there smiles and congratulations all around? Is some devil celebrating the loss of American lives? All the while I know the answers to these questions must be in the affirmative. However, I also wonder if the so-called mastermind has that quiver in his chest that always exists when one knows he is trapped. That feeling of horror that happens when one knows he has gone too far. Is it beating there next to his coward’s heart? Yes, our terrorist must be proud, but he must also be scared. Just like his master, his vanity will be his downfall. He and his kind will be swept from their places of respite. Forever.

And so, as this week of phenomenal events draws to a close, we are called in the same two directions we always have been. It’s just that the calls are louder and more urgent. Shall we go the way of evil by choosing not to respond? Or shall we show ourselves to be equal to this and any task in the name of goodness and mercy? These are the two roads that diverge in the snowy wood. Which choice will we make? And will it make all the difference? Yes, evil exists, but Goodness exists eternally more abundant and full than evil can even fathom, and that Goodness will see us through our task in His name. Evil will be ended; Goodness endures.

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Two days later I wrote this:

On Resolve
By Tyson Wynn
September 17, 2001

We are a nation poised on the brink of war. It has been declared on us, and we are preparing to make war back. It is a campaign for which most Americans have joined together in the call for action. In times past, this nation has been known to split into factions and fractions over whether war was prudent. This is no such case. Now, the far greater portion of the American people are united toward this one goal: Freedom. Especially freedom from fear. In all the comparisons that have been drawn between the recent events and the attack on Pearl Harbor, we have been lax to remember Mr. Roosevelt’s admonition that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” We will not be afraid. War is the only means to the realization of that goal.

From the moment this nation was suddenly and deliberately attacked, both broadcast and cable television networks have poured forth the news, opinions, and theories about September 11 and its necessary consequences. Our President has begun to prepare this nation’s civilians for war and the price of it: Sacrifice. Sacrifice is simply stated as love; it is much harder to realize. We are told that no man has more love than one who lays down his life for his friends. Some of us will give our lives; others will be required to give much less. We all will be called upon to be uncomfortable for the purpose of ensuring future generations the comforts of Liberty. We may endure higher tax rates, reduced personal freedom, seasons of seeming defeat, possible retaliatory strikes on this land and her civilians, and most unfortunately, further loss of American lives. These are indeed very high prices to pay. However, they are not too high. Can there be too high a tax when its revenue funds a battle the outcome of which is safety and security for a new generation of Americans? Can there be too much damage to Americans’ property when we know that that damage is caused by the death throes of demonic evil? Can any amount of spilled blood be too much when it is commingled with the innocents’ of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the heroes aboard United Airlines Flight 93? War is war. It cannot be entered into lightly or without sufficient resolve to see it concluded to our satisfaction. We cannot indulge the second-guessers and naysayers that will certainly call for an evacuation of troops and resources before the goal is met. Just as we must resist the fear of terror, we must also resist the pacifists that cry for peace at any cost. That cost is too high. We shall have peace, but it will be a peace that emerges in the wake of a demonstration of strength, not cowardice.

Already come the voices of television’s talking heads that question the leadership of our President. If any president has ever deserved the loyalty of his countrymen, it is this President in this moment. Some of us saw the greatness of this good man previously; many are just now coming to know it. Either way, it is there, and it demands our respect, trust, and loyalty. The battle is clear, yet we need the battle plan. The goal is evident, yet we need a coach. The end is attainable, yet we need Commander in Chief. Pray for his guidance from and dependence upon God Almighty as he contemplates the future of the world, this nation, and freedom.

There are dark days ahead of us. We will stop and wonder if it is worth the costs. At these times, let us recall the devastation of this present hour. Let us recall the disruption of our lives and consciences on September 11. Let us always be mindful of the innocents who came to a premature end because of hatred. They are our constant cheerleaders in this endeavor, their blood crying out to us to save others from their fate. They are the best of America. They are making us the best of America. They are urging us to be made in their image, and we must be.

No war has ever been cheap or without losses—grave losses. They are no less necessary. Let us believe fully in that necessity. This legacy we shall leave our posterity: There once was a nation that so loved its freedom that no price was too high to ensure its preservation for you and your children.

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May we never forget—or fail.

Ed.

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WELCH—In it’s monthly meeting for June 2011, the Welch Town Council renewed the town’s policing agreement with the Craig County Sheriff’s Dept. Craig County Sheriff, Jimmie Sooter, was in attendance at the meeting where councilors unanimously approved the one-year extension of the agreement.

In other business, the council approved a lease-purchase agreement for a new tractor with Welch State Bank, discussed steps needed to lower the town’s ISO rating (which would result in lower insurance premiums for residents), approved the purchase of materials to fix potholes, discussed adding an insurance rider to provide greater protection in case of loss of the water tower, and voted that dumping in the town dump (for burnable items such as tree limbs) shall be coordinated through Town Clerk, Kenni Morton.

The town council meets the last Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at town hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Also, Town Hall business hours have been slightly modified. Town Hall is now open from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

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We’ve received the following public notice from the Town of Welch:

PUBLIC NOTICE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

TOWN OF WELCH HAS LEVEL OF COMBINED RADIUM AND GROSS ALPHA PARTICLE ACTIVITY ABOVE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS
TOWN OF WELCH, PWSID #OK2001801, NOV NO. P-2001801-11-1

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know that this has occurred and what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation. The standard maximum containment level (mcl) for Combined Radium is 5 pCi/L, and the standard for Gross Alpha Particle Activity is 15pCi/L.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Averaging our results for October 2009 – September 2010, January 2010- December 2010 and April, 2010 –March 2011 shows that our system’s average Combined Radium level was 6 pCi/L, 6pCi/L and 7 pCi/L respectively, exceeding the standard to maximum contaminant level (MCL), for combined Radium.

Averaging our results for January 2010- December 2010 and April, 2010 –March 2011 shows that our system’s average Gross Alpha level was 32 pCi/L, and 29pCi/L respectively.

What should I do?
You do not need to use an alternative (e.g., bottled water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

What does this mean?
Certain minerals are radioactive and may remit a form of radiation known as Alpha radiation. This is not an immediate risk. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. However, some people who drink water containing Radium 226 or 228 in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

What happened? What is being done?
The town board is exploring all possibilities to reduce these levels of Radium and Gross Alpha Levels. All solutions that we have examined up until this time are proving to be expensive. We continue to work with DEQ and other agencies to find the best possible solution and most cost effective solution for this problem.
This notice is being sent to you by the Town of Welch, PWSID #OK2001801.
For more information, contact Winston McKeon or Kenni Morton City Clerk at City Hall, PO Box 277, Welch OK 74369 or 918-788-3616.

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, and familial status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20250-9410 or call (800)795-3272 (voice) or (202)-720-6382 (TDD).”

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From Your Still-Worn-Out-from-After-Prom Publisher & Executive Editor:

Tomorrow, we Welchkins have a purely local election. We’ll vote on the $2.75 million bond issue to add classrooms, revamp the dining area, and implement utility upgrades at our school, and we’ll choose who will serve on our town council and as town clerk.

We’ve provided all the bond issue information provided by the school as well as an audio interview with Supt. Clark McKeon here. Here’s the sample ballot for the bond proposal.

Now, after digesting the information, how should we responsibly vote?

The bond issue increases taxes. I know, the usual line is that because the bond issue extends an existing tax it doesn’t really raise taxes, but I don’t buy that argument. If we approve the bond issue, it will keep an existing tax from expiring. In my book, stopping a tax reduction is a tax increase.The bottom line is this: if the bond issue fails, the millage rate will drop when the bonds for the new gym all mature. If we approve the bond issue, the millage rate will remain fairly steady for an additional 16 years. We just need to accept that fact that the bond package before us is costly. The real question we must answer is whether the cost is worth it.

I have made it clear before that my default position on tax increases is no. That means I start out a no, and if and when those seeking the tax increase convince me that it’s for all our better good to approve a tax increase, then I’ll support it. In the most recent vote on the Craig County Community Center, I was never (and am still not) convinced it was a good idea, so I did not support it.

In the case before us now, I am persuaded that the improvements to our school are necessary and wise. The reason I’m such a stickler on the language as to whether it’s “not a tax increase” is this: we need to realize that there is a cost associated with the improvements and that the cost is worth it.

The notion that we can do large capital improvements without it costing us is dangerous. You may be tempted to believe that when property taxes are increased, only property owners pay the price. Many a tax increase has been thrust upon property owners by non-property owners in the misguided notion that those who don’t own land are getting a free ride. Property owners do bear the immediate cost of an increase; however, those increases must be recouped. If you rent, property tax increases get passed on into your rental price. Whatever is produced on land—be it cattle, crops, or cookies—will have its price inflated to absorb the price of taxes. The bottom line is this: tax increases affect everyone, whether they own property or not.

Taxing people should only be done for vital projects, and I cannot think of anything more vital to our community and school than the proposed improvements. The time has come for us to do away with the “temporary, portable” classrooms that house our youngest students. It’s time to implement a middle school. It’s time to make upgrades that will save on utility costs. It’s time to provide adequate learning space for our students and teachers. It’s time to bring the dining facilities up to date. In short, it’s time to make this large investment.

The proposed improvements to our school are not luxuries. They are necessary now, and they will grow even more necessary into the future.

So, when you mark your ballots tomorrow, I hope you’ll join me in voting yes on the bond issue before us.

Also on the ballot are elected town positions. Last year, we voted to expand our town council from three to five persons. Maxine “Shorty” Highsmith and Shannon Biggs ran unopposed for two seats, and will win by default. Tomorrow, voters will vote to fill two remaining seats for which there are three candidates. The top two vote-getters from among Edith Fox, Winston McKeon (the incumbent), and Henry Flanders will win a four-year term on the council. The position of town clerk is also up for election. Voters will select between Kenni Morton and Barry F. Oliver (the incumbent) for the unexpired town clerk term. Here’s the sample ballot for town officials.

I’m not making endorsements in these races. I will, however, share some of the thinking that goes through my mind as I weigh the choices before me. First and foremost, I want a sense that those for whom I vote are genuinely interested in our community and its progress. I want responsible persons who will give their best efforts to see that our town functions properly, openly, and efficiently. I’m not impressed by candidates who take a “what was wrong with the way things used to be?” mindset. Secondly, I want workers—both mentally and physically. Council members aren’t magic. They don’t just get to vote and all our problems fade away. The issues facing even our small town are often quite complex, and I want representatives who will do the hard thinking and the hard work necessary to find the best—not necessarily the easiest—solutions. Lastly, I want persons of character. I want council members who give us their best efforts, but I also recognize that councilors are both human and volunteers. Humans will make mistakes, and I am impressed by those who own up to their mistakes and look for ways to correct their errors. Volunteers can’t be expected to turn over every waking moment to town matters; therefore, I am impressed by persons who handle town business in an organized and efficient manner.

These are just a few things I’ll be thinking about as I vote tomorrow. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. If you’ve taken a few minutes to acquaint yourself with the issues and candidates before us, I hope you’ll go vote, too.

Ed.

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WELCH—April 5, 2011, is election day for the Town of Welch and Welch school district. We’ll have more info about the town issues in a later post. In this post, we turn our attention to the proposed $2.75 million bond for the addition of classroom space (creating a middle school), cafeteria and kitchen renovations, HVAC upgrades, and lighting upgrades. First up you will find an 20-minute audio interview with Clark McKeon, superintendent of Welch Public Schools, in which he shares information about the proposal. Following that you will find various documents about the bond, including drawings and renderings of the proposed upgrades. There will be a second public information meeting, which includes the opportunity for Q&A, Thur., Mar. 31, 2011, at the Welch Civic Center at 7:00 p.m.

Polls will be open Apr. 5, 2011, from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Dr. Clark McKeon sat down with Tyson Wynn to discuss the bond improvements:

Interview with Dr. Clark McKeon 3/25/2011 [ 20:34 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation about the bond issue:

Here are some documents distributed by the school district:

Outside Rendering:

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Floorplan:

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Bond Info Flier:

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Estimated Savings from HVAC & Lighting Upgrades:

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Bond Schedule

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WELCH—The above video may not have been perfectly precise, but it did succeed in predicting the overall upheaval of American voters in yesterday’s elections. From coast to coast and border to border, Americans turned out to vote in what are sure to be record numbers for a mid-term election. And though the president’s party typically loses seats in a mid-term election (the average is around 24 seats), this will likely prove to be the greatest loss of Congressional seats in a mid-term election since WWII. Estimates as I type this are that as many as 65 seats could shift from Democrat to Republican control in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans did not regain control of the U.S. Senate, but the upper chamber is very evenly split, with the Republicans holding well over the 40 seats needed to be a powerful minority under Senate rules. All in all, Americans from every state sent a powerful message to their elected leaders and that message is deep dissatisfaction.

Closer to home, that same discontent was evident. Every statewide office in Oklahoma was placed in Republican hands. You read that right. Every Republican candidate for statewide office was victorious. Further, Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s District 2 Congressional Seat, Charles Thompson, made a 43% showing against incumbent Democrat Dan Boren. Locally, Welch voters agreed with their statewide compatriots in all those races except for superintendent of public instruction, where Democrat candidate Susan Paddock edged out Republican Janet Barresi by a mere 27 votes in the two Welch precincts.

Statewide, all judicial officers were retained (as they were on Welch ballots). All but two state questions were passed. State Question 744 on education spending was soundly defeated statewide (81% No), and was also rejected by Welch voters. State Question 754 on funding formulas, which was on the ballot as a fail safe in case 744 passed, was rejected statewide (63% No) and locally.

Unofficial statewide results are available on the state election board’s website. Here are all the results from Welch’s two precincts.

Welch General Election Results - Nov. 2, 2010

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WELCH—It’s election day! Many people have been eagerly waiting for the opportunities this day offers. Polls are open statewide from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. We’ll try to provide a recap here as soon as Welch’s polling place posts results.

As a reminder, here are our endorsements for the ballot you will see in Welch.

Governor: Mary Fallin

Lt. Governor: Todd Lamb

State Auditor & Inspector: Gary Jones

Attorney General: Scott Pruitt

State Treasurer: Ken Miller

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Janet Barresi

Commissioner of Labor: Mark Costello

Insurance Commissioner: John Doak

U.S. Senator: Tom Coburn

US. Representative: Charles Thompson

Judicial Retention:

Steven W. Taylor: No

James R. Winchester: No

Deborah B. Barnes: No

Doug Gabbard II: No

John F. Fischer: No

Larry E. Joplin: No

State Question 744: NO (A thousand times NO!)

State Question 746: YES

State Question 747: YES

State Question 748: YES

State Question 750: YES

State Question 751: YES

State Question 752: YES

State Question 754: YES (But we can understand a NO)

State Question 755: YES

State Question 756: YES

State Question 757: Yes

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From Your Plumb Worn-Out Publisher and Executive Editor:

Radio Shack used to use the slogan, “You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers.” I’ve felt like Radio Shack lately because folks have been asking about the eleven state questions on tomorrow’s ballot. I appreciate people valuing my opinion, so I decided I’d do a quick run down for you here. This is later than I had hoped to get it posted, but I hope you find it useful. Rather than take lots of time and space to lay every aspect of each question out for you in a separate post, we’re providing one post with our endorsements and a brief statement of why. (As for our recommendations on the candidates, we’re endorsing Republicans in every race; and we recommend voting no on each judicial retention question). Also, some hold the belief that you need to vote no on all state questions. That’s not the case. You need to read them carefully and (thanks to the out-of-control, power-abusing attorney general, Drew Edmondson) know the information beyond the ballot language to make an informed decision. We hope this helps.

State Question 744 (aka the HOPE Petition)

This is the 800-lb. elephant in the room. If passed, this would require K-12 education spending in Oklahoma to be funded at a level equal with the average of K-12 education spending in our six surrounding states, which would require an increase in education spending in Oklahoma. Estimates put this increase in spending at anywhere from $850 Million to $1.4 Billion. That’s a lot of dough, and it MUST be spent if 744 passes. If it must be spent, it must come from somewhere, which means taxes MUST be increased or other parts of the state budget MUST be slashed to fund it. And by slashed, we’re talking cut by 20%. The decision on 744 boils down to this: Is education spending important? Yes. Is it the most important thing the state does? No.

Further, empirical evidence shows that increased education spending does not necessarily result in better public education. I support public education, and we have a great school system in Welch. And sure, I’d like to see them have the money to do everything they want. But, if it comes at a cost of cutting the Department of Corrections budget by 1/5 (possibly resulting in releasing inmates) and cutting the Department of Transportation budget by 1/5 (goodbye road and bridge repair), it’s just not worth it.

If you want to improve public education in Oklahoma (and in Welch), the best thing you can do is elect good state legislators (and hold them accountable for their decisions), elect Janet Barresi superintendent of public instruction, and get involved in local groups, like the Welch Public Schools Enrichment Foundation, that make sure improvements end up in the classroom, unlike 744, which has no similar guarantee. 744 is so bad, in fact, that whoever you support for governor, Jari Askins or Mary Fallin, oppose it, as do Brad Henry and Drew Edmonsdon and most state newspapers. In fact, you have to look long and hard before you find anyone other than the most liberal among us and those affiliated with the Oklahoma Education Association who do support 744. A vote for 744 is a vote to cripple the state, and could quite literally send this state into bankruptcy. A vote against 744 is a vote to require the legislature to use their authority to fund education in Oklahoma and hold them accountable for how they do so. Vote no on 744.

No on 744 Website
List of news about and those opposed to 744
Janet Barresi for State Supt.

State Question 746 (aka Positive Identification Required to Vote)

This is a no-brainer. If passed, 746 would require persons to provide identification, either by photo ID or voter ID card, when seeking to vote. The only reason one can fathom for people to oppose this proposal is that they have some sort of voter fraud in mind. Vote yes on 746.

State Question 747 (aka Term Limits for Statewide Office)

Another no-brainer. I used to buy into the notion that term limits should be at the full control of the voters and the ballot box, but the benefits of incumbency (i.e., already holding an office makes one almost immune to electoral challenge) have changed my mind. This would limit the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state treasurer, labor commissioner, state auditor and inspector, superintendent of public instruction, and state insurance commissioner to eight years. Service as corporation commissioner would be limited to twelve years. In a perfect world, one would like to believe we could find self-less good persons who might spend a lifetime of dedicated service to the state in one position. The reality is that this rarely happens, and when a person can be reelected indefinitely, it seems to make officeholders more concerned with holding office than with serving the citizens. Vote yes on 747.

State Question 748 (aka Reconstituting Apportionment Commission)

The federal government conducts a census every ten years, and in response to each census the state must reapportion districts for the legislature. The legislature is tasked with this, but if it fails to do so (i.e., is deadlocked), an apportionment commission does it. Currently, the apportion commission is made up of three persons: the state attorney general, the state superintendent of public instruction, and the state treasurer. This formula means that the apportionment commission could potentially consist of members from one political party. If 748 passes, it would remove all three current members of the commission and increase the commission from three to seven members. The new members would consist of one Democrat and one Republican appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the State Senate, one Democrat and one Republican appointed by the Speak of the State House, and one Democrat and one Republican appointed by the Governor. The seventh member would be the Lt. Governor, who would serve as a non-voting chairman of the commission. This new formulation will be more even-handed and ensure a more fair apportionment. Vote yes on 748.

State Question 750 (aka Ballot Access Calculated on Gubernatorial Elections)

Oklahomans have the opportunity to propose laws, offer amendments to the state constitution, and reject laws passed by the legislature. This is done by circulating petitions, which must meet a certain number requirement, which is based on a certain percentage of the last general election. When the last general election is one which included a presidential election, it will require many more signatures than when the last general election didn’t include a presidential election. 750 will level the playing field for those seeking ballot access by looking only at every other last general election, those which include gubernatorial races (which are staggered with presidential elections). This does not change the percentage needed; it simple requires the same percentage of elections when fewer persons usually cast votes, thus reducing the overall number of signatures needed to access the ballot. It’s a good change. Vote yes on 750.

State Question 751 (aka English as Official Language)

This would simply make English the official language of official state business, thus avoiding the cost and confusion of doing state business in multiple languages. It also has the benefit of bonding Oklahomans by a common language. Vote yes on 751.

State Question 752 (aka Judicial Nominating Commission Reformulation)

The Judicial Nominating Commission selects three or four qualified persons to be nominated when judicial vacancies occur and the governor must then appoint one of the nominees. 752 would add two at-large members, who may come from any congressional district, to the commission. One of these new members would be appointed by the State Senate President Pre Tempore, and the other would be appointed by the Speaker of the Oklahoma House. At-large members cannot be lawyers, nor may they have an attorney in their immediate family. No more than two at-large members can be from the same political party. All in all, this is a good change that should help ensure fairness in the judicial nomination process. Vote yes on 752.

State Question 754 (aka No Spending Formulas)

This has been the most difficult state question to form an opinion on. It is designed to be a fail-safe in case 744 passes. This measure change the state constitution so that it could not require the legislature to fund state functions based on predetermined constitutional formulas, how much other states spend on a function, or how much any entity spends on a function. So far, so good. I can live with all of that (as I believe it’s the job of the elected legislators to hammer out the budget based on revenue). But the sticky part is in the rest of the question. According to the ballot language, written by Attorney General Drew Edmondson, the measure, if passed, could never be amended or rescinded. I don’t like the idea of that. The people ought to have a means for changing their collective mind. If we pass this and it works, great! If we pass this and it has problems we haven’t anticipated, we need to be able to undo it. But this is further complicated by the fact that it appears that Edmondson may have been editorializing a bit when he added that part about not being able to amend or rescind it. Michael Bates of Batesline has done some excellent analysis on this, so I won’t rehash it here. Go read Michael’s take and make up your own mind. For now, we’ll say our inclination is to vote yes on 754.

State Question 755 (aka No international or Sharia Law in Oklahoma Courts)

This simply bans Oklahoma judges in Oklahoma courts from relying on (considering or using) either international law or Sharia (Islamic law based on the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed). 755 requires Oklahoma courts and judges to rely on only state and federal law in rendering its decisions. You might appreciate Michael Bates’ analysis on this issue. Vote yes on 755.

State Question 756 (aka Obamacare Opt-Out)

The US Congress passed Obamacare in spite of vast disapproval by the people. Much of the sentiment against Washington, the president, and the congress we’re seeing this election is due to its ignoring pr the people’s wishes in regards to universal healthcare. Obamacare will raise taxes and will raise the cost of healthcare, while resulting in rationed and lower quality care. 756 opts Oklahoma out of the federal healthcare bill, though it again appears that Drew Edmondson did a bit of editorializing in the ballot language, saying it wouldn’t apply to laws or rules in effect before January 10, 2010, and that federal law would overrule because of the “supremacy clause” in the US Constitution. He fails to mention that there’s also a Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution. (Let’s be honest folks, we should be so thrilled that Drew Edmondson is out of public “service”). The best bet is to pass 756 and elect Scott Pruitt attorney general, so he can do the legal work to enforce the will of Oklahomans to opt out of Obamacare. Vote yes on 756.

State Question 757 (aka Increasing Rainy Day Percentage)

When Oklahoma has a surplus of revenue (i.e., when the legislature doesn’t spend every dime that comes in) the state constitution requires that 10% of the surplus go to the Constitutional Reserve Fund (i.e., rainy day fund). If 757 passes, it would change that percentage from 10% to 15%. Strangely, I’m hearing opposition to this state question from folks I never thought I would because of what the rainy day fund has been spent on. But let’s think about this a second. Currently, when there’s a surplus, the legislature can spend 90% (because 10% goes to rainy day). 757 would limit them to spending (read: wasting) only 85% of the surplus (because 15% would go to rainy day). Frankly, I’m in favor of reducing how much they can fritter away at the beginning. If we don’t like how the rainy day fund has been spent, we need to hold the legislators responsible (i.e., fire them) and/or pass provisions as to just how the rainy day fund can be spent. The answer is not to reject 757. 757 makes good fiscal sense, and hoping we one day have state surpluses, we’ll be wise to require a larger portion go to rainy day. Vote yes on 757.

Above all, educate yourself, and once you have done so, go vote on the government you will have to endure.

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From Your Election-Minded Publisher & Executive Editor:

Next Tuesday the polls will be open so that citizens can have their say as to the governance they must endure. It’s a privilege to vote, and we should responsibly walk into the voting booth and mark our ballots. While there are typically turn-out-the-vote campaigns, I’m not convinced that every eligible voter should vote. Voters should be informed about the candidates and issues before they make their voices heard.

And this is a very good year to get informed about the issues because, in addition to a full ballot of state and federal candidates for office, Oklahomans will decide eleven state questions. That’s right, the entire back of your ballot is completely full of ideas, notions, and schemes that the people have the last and final say on. And it’s a darn good thing, because there are some doozies.

It’s no secret that I’m a conservative; therefore, I favor conservative candidates (which usually means I support Republicans). The Republican party seemed to lose its way there for a while and it paid a price for that, ultimately resulting in the nomination of the lackluster John McCain for president and the resultant loss to Mr. Hope & Change himself, Barack Obama, aka Jimmy Carter’s long-lost and more liberal twin.

Since Obama’s election almost everything I and my ilk claimed would happen (and worse) has occurred. The backlash to the vehement liberal agenda has resulted in a refreshing uprising of conservatism, due in large part to the almost spontaneous combustion known as tea parties. Regular, plain ole Americans (of many parties and no party at all) just got sick and tired of a government being out of control, so they gathered in parks and on courthouse lawns to make their voices heard. They were mocked, maligned, and misquoted, but they refused to yield. Their momentum has hit full stride and both parties (read: both parties’ establishments) have taken notice. But never, ever forget that the party establishment was scared of Reagan, too.

So it’s that time. If you’ve had it with an out-of-control and non-responsive government, here’s your chance to weigh in and say enough is enough.

But, you might say, we’re from Oklahoma, the reddest of the red states. In fact, every county in Oklahoma went Republican in the last presidential election, even though our candidate was a dog. You’d be right. But elections aren’t all about who’s president (and we’re not electing a president this time, anyway). The race I really want to direct your attention to is Oklahoma’s second congressional district.

The incumbent, Dan Boren, is heir to the political dynasty of his dad, O.U. President David Boren, and his grandfather, Lyle Boren, who was a Congressman for a decade. It would be naïve to pretend that politicking isn’t in Dan Boren’s blood. Boren has been our congressman for three terms, following on the heels of that other Democrat “genius,” Brad Carson.

So what’s the problem with Boren? We all know he’s got a good rating from the NRA on Second Amendment issues (how could you not, when it’s what he seems to advertise about most?). Let’s face it, though, no one—Democrat or otherwise—stands a snowball’s chance in July of holding political office in Oklahoma if he or she isn’t pro-gun. But what else do we know about Dan Boren? In fairness, here’s one you may not know. He’s a co-sponsor of the Fair Tax. In fact, at one time he was the only Democrat co-sponsor of the bill (and for all I know, he still is). I have previously publicly lauded him for this fact. But there’s not much else I can think of in Boren’s positive column.

On the other hand, Boren has some very, very strong negatives. Primary among them, he casts his vote for Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the house. He’s been questioned about this vote, and his response is that Pelosi is the only Democrat running for speaker. So what? Which would be wiser for a man supposedly representing the interests of voters on Oklahoma’s second district: voting for Pelosi because she’s the only Democrat running or breaking ranks with your party and voting for the Republican speaker nominee because he or she is more in line with the values of those in your district (and those which your campaign ads claim you also hold)? But he just can’t break with his party. It would cost him too much.

And so, to be clear, a vote for Dan Boren is a vote to keep the Democrat leadership that daily subverts both the will and the interests of the people. Most Oklahoma Democrats I know have very little in common with Democrats in the national party, but if you send Boren back to Congress, those national Democrats are precisely who he votes to have the reins in Congress.

Let’s jump to a very recent recent example of Boren’s disconnect with those he supposedly represents. When the Bush tax cuts were made law, they included an expiration date. It was a concession that was made to get them passed. Well, time is tick-tick-ticking away, and those tax cuts are set to expire at the end of 2010. What that means is that the largest tax increases in American history are set to automatically kick in on Jan. 1, 2011, unless something is done to extend (or better yet, make permanent) the Bush tax cuts.

Without a doubt, tax increases are the absolute worst thing that could happen to our stagnant economy with high unemployment rates. The combination of the new Obamacare taxes plus the expiration of the Bush tax cuts could very likely send our economy into a harsh recession, if not a full-fledged depression (welcome back, Carter, as the t-shirt says).

Thankfully, there was a plan to begin the process of extending those Bush tax cuts. Unfortunately, before Congress could deal with the issue, as it should have, there was a motion to adjourn and a vote on it. And, unfortunately, the motion to adjourn passed by a single vote. Yes, friends, it was one single vote that decided to adjourn the Congress (so they could get home and campaign) rather than debate and vote to stop this massive tax increase. Too bad that one vote belonged to our Congressman, Dan Boren. With friends like this, who needs enemies? (To read more about the problems with Boren, scroll to the bottom of this post and follow the links to two posts from Michael Bates. You’ll be glad you did.)

And here’s the good news, folks: we have an option. You may not have heard much about him because he does not have the built-in political machine Dan Boren does, but I bet you have seen his signs. Charles Thompson, a double vet (U.S. Army retiree and doctor of veterinary medicine), is running to be our Congressman. If you read his bio, I think you’ll find he sounds an awful lot like just who we’d like representing our interests in Washington, DC, as opposed to Dan Boren, who votes with the Nancy Pelosi agenda about 90% of the time.

And so, when you go to vote next Tuesday, help me in saying buh-bye to Boren. If you vote for Dan Boren, you’re also voting for Nancy Pelosi and her ilk, and frankly, we have no one to blame for the fact that our representative in Washington represents very little of who and what we are. Let’s turn out for Thompson and do our part to help get American back on track. At least I’m certain that Charles Thompson will never be the deciding vote to adjourn Congress instead of debating tax cuts. I guarantee it.

Ed.

Michael Bates on washing Dan Boren out of office

Michael Bates on Boren pulling the mask off

Charles Thompson’s Website

Charles Thompson on Facebook

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WELCH—It’s now less than one week until the 2010 mid-term elections. Here is a list of what will be on the Welch precincts’ ballot (R=Republican, D=Democrat, I=Independent):

State Officers

For Governor

Mary Fallin, R
Jari Askins, D

For Lt. Governor

Todd Lamb, R
Kenneth Corn, D
Richard Prawdzienski, I

For State Auditor & Inspector

Gary Jones, R
Steve Burrage, D

For Attorney General

Scott Pruitt, R
Jim Priest, D

For State Treasurer

Ken Miller, R
Stephen E Covert, D

For Superintendent of Public Instruction

Janet Barresi, R
Susan Paddack, D
Richard E. Cooper, I

For Commissioner of Labor

Mark Costello, R
Lloyd L. Fields, D

For Insurance Commissioner

John Doak, R
Kim Holland, D

Congressional Officers

For U.S. Senator

Tom Coburn, R
Jim Rogers, D
Stephen P. Wallace, I
Ronald F. Dwyer, I

For U.S. Representative, District 2

Charles Thompson, R
Dan Boren, D

Judicial Retention

Justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court

Dist. No. 2: Shall Steven W. Taylor of the Oklahoma Supreme Court be retained in Office? Yes or No

Dist. No. 5: Shall James R. Winchester of the Oklahoma Supreme Court be retained in Office? Yes or No

Judges of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals

Dist. No. 2, Office No. 1: Shall Deborah B. Barnes of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals be retained in Office? Yes or No

Dist. No. 3, Office No. 1: Shall Doug Gabbard II of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals be retained in Office? Yes or No

Dist. No. 3, Office No. 2: Shall John F. Fischer of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals be retained in Office? Yes or No

Dist. No. 4, Office No. 2: Shall Larry E. Joplin of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals be retained in Office? Yes or No

The opposite side of your ballot will contain eleven (11) state questions. Rather than reproduce them here for you, here’s a link to a PDF of an actual ballot sample that lists all the state questions. It’s a large file, so if you’d rather read the same questions from a smaller PDF, here’s one from the Oklahoma State Election Board.

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